Acts 18:21

“But bade them farewell, saying, etc.] As follows: I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem; which perhaps was the passover, since that often went by the name of the feast: the why he must by all means keep it, was not because it was obligatory upon him; nor did he always observe it, as appears from his long stay at Corinth, and other places; and besides, as a Christian, he had nothing to do with it; but either because of his vow, (<441818>Acts 18:18) or because he knew he should have an opportunity of preaching the Gospel to great numbers; the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions omit this clause: but I will return again unto you, if God will; he promises to return to…”

“I must . . . keep this feast--probably Pentecost, presenting a noble opportunity of preaching the Gospel. but I will return--the fulfilment of which promise is recorded in Act 19:1.”

“Keep this feast - Probably the Passover is here referred to. Why he was so anxious to celebrate that feast at Jerusalem, the historian has not informed us. It is probable, however, that he wished to meet as many of his countrymen as possible, and to remove, if practicable, the prejudices which had everywhere been raised against him, Acts 21:20-21. Perhaps, also, he supposed that there would be many Christian converts present, whom he might meet also. But I will return ... - This he did Acts 19:1, and remained there three years, Acts 20:31. return to 'Top of Page'”

“I must by all means keep the feast at Jerusalem - This was not from any apprehension that he was obliged in conscience to keep the Jewish feasts; but to take the opportunity of meeting a great number of his countrymen to whom he might preach Christ, or whom he might farther instruct, or free from the prejudices they had imbibed against him. But I will return to you - So he did, Act 19:1. Acts 18:22”

“18:21 “I will come back later”: Paul later spent significant time in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (19:1–20:1; see 19:8, 10).”

“bade: Act 15:29; Luk 9:61; Co2 13:11 I must: Act 20:16; Deu 16:1 if God: Act 19:21, Act 21:14; Mat 26:39; Rom 1:10, Rom 15:32; Co1 4:19; Phi 2:19-24; Heb 6:3; Jam 4:15 Acts 18:22”